This discretionary fund from Inverclyde Council provides financial assistance to help businesses in the area that have been trading for at least 12 months to achieve specific business growth objectives. The fund can cover up to 50% of eligible capital expenditure costs, with a maximum contribution of £5,000.

Applicants must submit:

• a business plan
• a one-year cashflow projection
• evidence of trading status
• the last full year’s accredited accounts and up-to-date management accounts
• 3 quotes for project costs
• proof of business insurance
• an uncensored copy of a bank statement, dated within the past 3 months, that clearly shows the name of the account holder, the account number and sort code

If the business is operating from commercial premises, you must also submit evidence that you or your business own the lease. 

You will need to meet with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde before you receive an application form.

You are eligible if:

• your business is trading from an address in Inverclyde
• your business has been trading for at least 12 months
• your business operates in a sector where there is unlikely to be a significant impact on other local businesses
• you have attended a one-to-one meeting with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde

This is a free service. Free business advice is also provided.

The fund can cover up to 50% of eligible capital expenditure costs, with a maximum contribution of £5,000. You must be prepared to cover the rest of the costs from other sources.

The grant will be paid retrospectively into your business bank account after you submit evidence of your total project expenditure. You must be able to cover the costs upfront before claiming back the grant amount.

Businesses that trade in the Inverclyde area.

Your application must be approved and relevant information provided before you can submit a claim for payment - the timescale to approve applications will vary. Once you have submitted your claim for incurred expenses, payment will usually be made within 20 days.

The grant will be paid retrospectively into your business bank account after you submit evidence of your total project expenditure. You must be able to cover the costs upfront before claiming back the grant amount.

You cannot apply for funding for projects that have already started.

Visit the Inverclyde Council website for more information.